MOSES LAKE — People can learn about available jobs and some of their options for college, among other possibilities, at the Big Bend Community College 2018 Job and Career Fair Thursday. It’s scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the ATEC building on the BBCC campus.

It’s the 25th year for the job and career fair, “the largest local event that places potential employees and employers under one roof,” said Matt Killebrew, BBCC director of communications. “This is a community-wide event for all Big Bend students and members of the community.” More than 50 exhibitors will attend.

The college’s Career Services Center can help people who want to prepare a resume in advance of the job fair, Killebrew said. People can contact the career center at 509-793-2069.

“We expect more than 50 employers to be represented, some ready to hire on the spot. We want to provide an environment that pairs potential employees and employers and also showcases some of the many career-focused programs we offer at the college,” Killebrew wrote.

All vendors will be on campus only to talk to people about potential employment, he said. “This event should be considered secure” for undocumented residents.

Traditionally the job fair draws prospective employers from the private and public sector, along with colleges and representatives from social service organizations.

Many of the exhibitors have locations – and opportunities – in Grant County. Exhibitors include manufacturers, food processors, retail businesses, service industries, healthcare, aerospace, technology and education. “Big Bend programs that provide training for these jobs set up exhibits adjacent to the employers.”

Public and private healthcare organizations will be in attendance, including Samaritan Healthcare in Moses Lake, Columbia Basin Community Health in Othello, Moses Lake Community Health, McKay Healthcare and Rehab in Soap Lake. Manufacturers include AeroTek/Genie, REC Silicon, Inland Tarp and SGL Automotive. Food processors include National Frozen Foods, Moses Lake; Simplot Food Group and Quincy Foods.

Businesses include Lowe’s, Just Right Cleaning and Construction, Les Schwab Tires, Anderson Hay, Rhino Staging, LocalTel, Skagit Transportation and Inland Cellular. The U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps will have booths along with the Washington Air National Guard. So will the U.S. Border Patrol and Customs Enforcement, the Washington Department of Corrections at Coyote Ridge and the Washington State Patrol.

Along with BBCC, Washington State University, Eastern Washington University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will have booths. Family Services of Grant County, Grant Integrated Services and OIC of Washington will talk about the support services they offer. A complete list of vendors is available on the BBCC website.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.